Nova's Kate Ritchie makes important announcement as she continues absence from radio show - after confirming rehab stint for 'an unhealthy reliance on alcohol'

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Kate Ritchie has taken to social media to reassure fans that she is 'doing well' and will be back on her radio show in a few more weeks.

After confirming she'd been undergoing rehab in a Sydney clinic for alcohol dependency, the former Home and Away star, 44, posted the message to her stories on Friday.

The announcement comes after the radio star's dramatic exit from Nova's Kate, Tim and Joel show in October. 

Kate Ritchie has taken to social media to reassure fans that she is 'doing well' and will be back on her Nova radio show in a few more weeks. The star is currently undergoing rehab in a Sydney clinic for alcohol dependency Pictured: Kate Ritchie

Kate sounded ready to bounce back after her personal dramas in her message which appeared on the announcer's official Instagram.

'Hi all, I’ll be away for a few more weeks,' the popular star wrote. 

'But in the meantime make sure you tune in to the guys who will be back live in the studio from 4pm Monday!

'By the way, I’m doing well and excited for 2023.'

The announcement comes after the radio star's dramatic exit from Nova's Kate, Tim and Joel show in October after being charged with drink-driving just weeks earlier

Singer Ricki-Lee Coulter will fill in for the actress on the Kate, Tim and Joel show from Monday at 4pm.

Kate included a photo of the drive-time team's Nova studio in the post.

It comes after Ritchie revealed in December that she had checked into a private Sydney rehab centre to get help for 'alcohol dependency'. 

Pictured: Kate included this photo of the Nova studio in her post on Friday

Kate sounded ready to bounce back after her personal dramas in her message which appeared on the announcer's official Instagram (pictured)

The actress and radio host said in a statement the last year had been challenging and stressful and led to an 'unhealthy reliance on alcohol'.

It came just days after she was spotted entering an exclusive rehab clinic in Sydney.

Ritchie also confirmed at the time that she would be taking a break from her Nova drive show until 2023.

The actress and radio host said in a statement the last year had been challenging and stressful and led to an 'unhealthy reliance on alcohol'. Pictured Kate and co-star Tim Blackwell (left)

She stepped down from the Kate, Tim and Joel program in October after being charged with drink-driving just weeks earlier.

'As announced previously I am taking a break until next year. The last year has been incredibly emotionally challenging, as well as a relentless schedule, stress, and a lack of sleep. I came to realise that this had led to an unhealthy reliance on alcohol,' she said in her statement.

'So I decided to use this time to do something positive by getting the help I need from professionals who specialise in this area.

Pictured Kate and her co-hosts Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey

'As everyone would understand, this is a very big step for me to take. I want to sincerely thank everybody who is supporting me.'

The centre runs inpatient and day programs for those who 'experience problems with alcohol and other drugs' and the 'assessment and treatment of mental health conditions'.

The clinic has a 'multidisciplinary team including consultant psychiatrists and addictions specialists, nurses, exercise physiologists, social workers, psychologists and psychotherapists'.

Singer Ricki-Lee Coulter will fill in for the actress on the Nova show from Monday at 4pm

The clinic is popular with on-air talent because it is relatively discreet.

'They have a good strike rate and day programs allow patients to come and go and continue to see family and work while getting help,' a source said.

'This time of year is perfect also as it's non-ratings period, most people are out of the city holidaying and networks are winding down'.

Ritchie surprised listeners in October when she announced she was leaving her hit Nova drive show for the rest of the year due to stress.

Shortly after the announcement, a radio insider claimed she may not return to the Nova drive program and could be replaced by substitute co-host Ricki-Lee Coulter. 

It comes after Ritchie revealed last month she had checked into a private Sydney rehab centre to get help for ' alcohol dependency'